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"Scugog"s Community Newspaper of Choice" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, October 31, 2000 - 17 Huge fraud scam From page 1 investigation before assuming his current post with the Toronto Dominion Bank. He said that full credit for the investigation belongs to 26 Division Detective Tom Andrews. "In my estimation," Mr. Imray said, "without the thorough work of this one officer this credit card data scam could never have been uncovered to the extent it was... he made himself a credit card fraud expert in order to close this case." Crown Attorney Mark Moorecroft said the scheme saw credit cards used to buy gas at one Scugog and two Brock gas bars "double swiped" through a portable hand- held machine, capable of holding 250 credit card codes. New, fraudulent cards were created with that data. He called it "the best fraud | have ever seen." Mr. Moorecroft told the court that credit card data from the gas bar locations was used at various loca- tions in and out of Canada to complete credit card frauds that totalled $317,132.98. Those losses were incurred by customers of the TD Bank, the Royal Bank and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. In an impact statement, the banks said that the work of Det. Andrews resulted in the blocking of a further 156 credit cards. It is estimated those phony cards could have accounted for $685,000 in available credit. Mr. Moorecroft also noted that none of the gas bar attendants who stole credit card data for a fee of $5 per card were prosecut- ed, and no one above Mr. Sanderson in the scheme had been arrested. Kim Scoffield, lawyer for Mr. Sanderson, told the court that her client "did not receive anywhere near ($317,000)" from the ELECT Larry Councillor Ward 1 and communicator Corrigan "a fresh perspective and voice on local council" v' Experience: Trustee Durham Board 11 years v' Skills: people friendly, a good problem solver v' Resident of Ward | and Scugog township for 15 years with a deep respect for its people, environment, heritage and desired future a For more information or to help with the campaign Phone: 985-7215 Fax: 985-6964 e-mail: larrycorrnigan @sympatico.ca regions bert 8319 3rd Conc. just A unique one of a kind shopping experience cYNtHid cuppleS CHRISTMAS SHOW at the Studio November 4 & 5, 2000 10am. to 5 pm. "This it a fabulous opportunity reasonably priced original artwork from some of the (905) 852-5615 Visit our website at www.pottery.on.ca Handmade Decorations & gifts of all sorts by a variety of Talented Artists & Artisans | Artisans!" north of Davis Dr. was busted by Durham detective scheme, and that his "safe- ty was threatened, and the police were aware of that." Det. Andrews said the Secret Service in New York State has also been involved in the investiga- tion. "There are currently three persons facing charges relating to the same investigation, and one of the credit card skimmers we have as evi- dence was turned over to us by agents of the Secret Service," he said. The court heard how Mr. Sanderson drove a newer model BMW on trips to the local gas bars to pick up machines or drop off bat- teries for the portable units. Ms Scoffield told the court that her client's life has "been turned upside down. "His family has suffered public humiliation in the community as a result," she said. Mr. Imray said outside court that this type of fraud is becoming very common. "This is the paper hang- er (bad cheque passers) of the new millennium," Mr. Imray said. "This type of fraud is a billion dollar a year enter- prise in this country, and results in higher interest and service fees for honest card holders." Det. Andrews had a warning for the public about credit cards and cash cards. "These (cards) are a wonderful convenience for the public," Det. Andrews said. "But the public needs to be vigilant with their information. If you have any reason to believe your information may have been compromised, either in a transaction or by sus- picious charges on your monthly accounts, you should cancel your card right away and contact your bank." Port Perry's Finest Enclave of 50' Luxury All-Brick Homes in an Intimate Setting. 8 » Covered front porches * All-vinyl casement windows throughout e Hardwood flooring e Upgraded trim included Fully Furnished & Decorated Model Home 905-985-6344 or toll free 1-877-393-1900 SALES OFFICE HOURS: Mon., Tues, Fri.: 11 am - 6 pm, Wed., Thurs. By Appointment, Weekends & Hol. 10 am - 6 pm *Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Artist's concept. Map not to scale. E. & O.E. up to 2770 sq. ft. Pl [ive where the good ® things in life never change. Bungalows & 2 Storeys £201,900